Strategies for Effective Interconnection Queue Management

July 10-11, 2024 | Online :: Central Time

0724-interconnection-queues

“EUCI is one of the best ways to keep up on trends in the utility business!” Principal Assistant City Attorney, City of Glendale Water and Power

This conference will evaluate the strategies and technologies essential for successfully navigating the complexities of interconnection queues. From understanding the challenges of lengthy approval times and escalating costs, to exploring innovative opportunities for reform, participants will gain invaluable insights into streamlining processes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, this conference will allow you to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the latest advancements, best practices, case studies, the process of developing strategic visions and regulatory frameworks shaping the interconnected energy landscape.

Join us to advance your knowledge and skills needed to chart the course through evolving energy interconnection queues and contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of interconnection queues, including their role, challenges, and opportunities in shaping renewable energy deployment
• Explore the efficiencies introduced by FERC Order No. 2023 in streamlining the interconnection process, as well as the remaining challenges that may cause project delays
• Explore the regional differences in interconnection processes across ISOs/RTOs, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches and understanding the results
• Assess the viability of retail interconnection programs compared to wholesale processes
• Discuss best practices and strategies for streamlining interconnection processes through software automation, specifically PowerClerk
• Explore the technical considerations during interconnection studies, including renewable energy resource modeling, project lifecycle, and impacts of system/requirement changes
• Recognize the modeling requirements and challenges specific to various ISOs/RTOs, including ERCOT, MISO, ISO-NE, and TVA, and discuss compliance considerations and real-world case studies
• Discover the policy and regulatory landscape affecting interconnection processes, including recent orders and compliance filings
• Uncover strategies for effective utilization of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs)

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 : Central Time

 

9:00 – 9:05 a.m. :: Overview and Instructions

9:05 – 9:45 a.m. :: Exploring the Intricacies of Interconnection Queues

This session will delve into the intricacies of interconnection queues, the unsung heroes of renewable energy deployment. From understanding the niche of queues to deciphering their anatomy and navigating the journey of projects within them, this session will explore the pivotal role queues play in shaping energy landscapes. Topics that will be discussed include:

• Overview of interconnection queues
• Challenges
  • Lengthy approval times
  • Escalating costs
  • Systemic complexities
• Opportunities
  • Reform
  • Innovation
• Trends
  • Queue management software
  • Integration of battery energy storage systems

Tracy Brecke, Principal Project Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc (MEPPI)

9:45 – 10:45 a.m. :: Regional Differences in Interconnection Processes Across ISOs/RTOs

The presence of regional disparities within ISOs/RTOs underscores the need for tailored approaches to interconnection processes and understanding results. Focusing on MISO, SPP and CAISO, this presentation will cover:

• Intros, terminology, and definitions
• Comparison between queue processes
• Comparison between cost allocation methodologies and cost recovery
• Recent trends from ISO interconnection study results

Horea Catanase, Director – Interconnection Services, Eastern Interconnection & ERCOT, Electric Power Engineers

Sam Bustillos, Engineering Manager – Interconnection Services, Electric Power Engineers

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: The Interconnection Dilemma: A Roadmap for Unlocking Queue Backlogs

The backlog of new power generation and energy storage seeking transmission connections across the U.S. has grown dramatically in recent years, with roughly 2,600 GW of generation and storage now active in U.S. queues. This backlog has resulted in long wait times for projects stuck in the queues, low completion rates, and high interconnection costs – threatening the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of the U.S. power sector. In addition to summarizing the latest interconnection queue and cost data and analysis from LBNL, this presentation will highlight the recent Transmission Interconnection Roadmap from the Department of Energy’s Interconnection Innovation eXchange (i2X) program. The Roadmap identifies 35 solutions to address interconnection challenges on the transmission grid and serves as a practical guide for creating near – and long-term opportunities for industry collaboration.

Joe Rand, Energy Policy Researcher, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory     

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. :: Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. :: MISO Presenter Invited

 

1:45 – 2:15 p.m. :: Running the Interconnection Gamut: New Efficiencies and Remaining Pitfalls under the Order No. 2023

FERC Order No. 2023 aims to streamline the interconnection process and reduce procedural uncertainties for both interconnection customers and transmission providers. While the order significantly advances these objectives – especially by aligning the interests of interconnection customers and transmission providers more closely – the potential for delays persists. Viewing from the perspective of a transmission provider outside of an RTO/ISO, this presentation will underscore the efficiencies introduced by FERC Order No. 2023 and explore the remaining challenges that may inadvertently cause project delays.

Jeremy Ciarabellini, Regulatory Policy Consultant, Transmission Policy and Contracts, Puget Sound Energy

2:15 – 3:15 p.m. :: Insights from Recent FERC Interconnection Actions

This presentation will delve into the historical trajectory and recent developments of FERC interconnection policies, beginning with a concise exploration of the background and evolution of FERC’s approach to interconnection. A high-level summary of Order Nos. 2023 and 2023-A will be discussed, and attendees will gain insights into the key provisions and regulatory shifts introduced by these orders. This presentation will also touch on emerging trends and hot topics derived from recent compliance filings and pending requests for rehearing.

Adrienne Thompson, Partner, Troutman Pepper

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. :: Empowering Efficient Interconnection Queue Management: APS’ Journey with PowerClerk

This presentation will discuss how Arizona Public Service (APS) transitioned their interconnection portal  to PowerClerk’s no-code workflow automation platform. The presenters will discuss how the flexibility of this  software empowered APS to meet emerging regulatory demands without IT intervention. Attendees will explore how APS streamlined their interconnection review and agreement processes to enhance operational efficiency and compliance. Finally, this presentation will more closely explore how APS swiftly adapted their PowerClerk interconnection workflow to comply with the new FERC Order 2023 regulations. In this session, attendees will learn:

• Best practices and strategies for streamlining interconnection with software that combines a secure online portal with workflow automation capabilities
• How PowerClerk’s flexibility and self-service capabilities empowered APS and its customers to adapt to meet emerging regulatory changes like FERC Order 2023
• How PowerClerk helped APS automate their workflow, manage deadlines, communicate transparently, and report reliably

Rebecca Crawford, Supervisor, Transmission Contracts and Services, Arizona Public Service

Melissa Days, Senior Customer Delivery Manager, Clean Power Research

4:30 – 5:15 p.m. :: Are Retail Interconnection Queues a Better Option?

This presentation will cover retail interconnection in the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company service territory. The proposition that retail programs may be a better and quicker option than participating in the wholesale interconnection process will be reviewed. Additionally, this session will cover the following topics:

• Maryland regulation
• BGE programs
• The BGE interconnection queue
• Timelines to deliver projects from application to permission to operation

James Mirabile, Principal Engineer, Baltimore Gas & Electric

 

Thursday, July 11, 2024 : Central Time

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. :: An Engineer’s View of the Queue

This presentation will be a high-level overview of the study process that clusters go through on the path to an LGIA. It will cover the technical considerations during the study process including the difference between network resources and energy resources. In addition, a review of the study status of SPP and MISO’s queue as examples of timelines.

Jeff Norman, Director of Grid Integration, National Renewable Solutions

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. :: The Enabling Role of GETs in Power System Operations and Planning

Today’s transmission capacity is inadequate to fully harness the potential of renewable energy on the grid, not to mention interconnecting the resources in interconnection queues. To unlock additional capacity on existing infrastructure in a reliable and efficient manner, Transmission Owners (TOs) and ISO/RTOs are progressively considering the adoption of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs). These hardware and software solutions augment the capacity and increase the flexibility of the transmission grid. Their deployment is vital for delivering energy reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively while longer-term transmission facilities are being constructed. This presentation will delve into the effective utilization of GETs to address challenges in grid operations, planning, and generation interconnection congestion. Thereby enabling clean energy interconnection. Additionally, it will highlight how the existing structure and regulation of the electricity industry impede investment in asset efficiency through GETs.

Hui Zhang, Power Systems Director, AES Corporation

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. :: Renewable Energy Resource Modeling: Planning to Operations

This presentation will include a discussion on the following topics:

• Overview of modeling requirements, i.e. ISOs, IEEE 2800, FERC 2023, NERC, etc.
• Typical project lifecycle: planning to operations
  • Outlining key model changes throughout the process
  • Identifying gaps in the process between OEMs, developers and ISOs/TSPs
• Impacts of system/requirement changes for existing projects

Billy F. Yancey III, Vice President Technical Services and Compliance, Electric Power Engineers

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. :: Navigating Interconnection: Modeling Demands & Hurdles in ERCOT, MISO, ISO-NE, and TVA

Interconnection queues and processes within various ISOs/RTOs and utilities are becoming increasingly complex and cumbersome. The influx of gigawatts in queues, particularly in ISOs such as ERCOT, MISO, and others, poses significant challenges. Complications arise from queue withdrawals and upgrades cost allocation, prompting ISOs to develop new study methods and modifications. Many ISOs have filed for interconnection process changes with FERC, leading to extended study timelines annually. To address these challenges, ISOs/RTO utilities heavily rely on diverse software and modeling tools such as PSSE and PSCAD. Projects in queue must fulfill rigorous modeling and technical requirements, especially considering the huge amounts of study deposits and risks at each study stage. This presentation will delve into the modeling requirements and challenges specific to ERCOT, MISO, ISO-NE, and TVA, covering:

• Detailed modeling requirements for each ISO
• Modeling issues pertaining to various technologies
• Challenges encountered during modeling
• Compliance considerations
• Case studies exemplifying real-world applications and solutions

By examining these key areas, attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of interconnection projects and modeling issues.

Abhijeet Karmakar, Director, Grid Integration & IPP Development, EEPLUS

Tracy Brecke, Principal Project Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc (MEPPI)

Tracy Brecke is a dynamic professional deeply committed to advancing innovation and excellence in renewable energy and sustainability. With over a decade of diverse experience in the energy sector, Tracy has honed her expertise in queue management across multiple vertically integrated utilities and ISOs. As a key member of the project management team at MEPPI, Tracy’s collaborative approach and dedication to driving positive change have earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and influencer within the industry. Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration management with a minor in economics and master’s degree in business administration, Tracy brings a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics to her work. She is passionate about fostering a transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

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Sam Bustillos, Engineering Manager – Interconnection Services, Electric Power Engineers

Sam Bustillos is an Engineering Manager supporting renewable energy development in the MISO, SPP, and SERC regions at EPE. His role is to advise generation and load developers navigating the complex interconnection processes for these regions. From early site selection studies, through multi-phase results, and on to interconnection agreements, Sam and his team provide technical and procedural guidance. Prior to joining EPE, Sam spent 7 years at an Investor-Owned Utility in California, with the last few of those years leading the generation interconnection team. There he was heavily involved in CAISO’s Interconnection Process Enhancements and navigating the first Supercluster. Sam’s background before that centered around SCADA, telemetry, and substation automation with years at the utility and prior to that, as a communications technician in the U.S. Navy.

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Horea Catanase, Director – Interconnection Services, Eastern Interconnection & ERCOT, Electric Power Engineers

Horea Catanase is the Director of Interconnection Services responsible for the Eastern Interconnect and ERCOT regions at EPE. His role is to support renewable energy, large load and merchant transmission developers navigate interconnection processes across the US. His team has supported over 150 developers  including utility scale onshore & offshore projects, large data centers, green hydrogen facilities and distribution connected generators by providing them with key insights across all stages of the interconnection process. Prior to joining EPE, Horea held roles of increasing responsibility at another consulting organization where his primary role was supporting ISOs with interconnection studies. While he has worked with several ISOs, his primary focus was leading the team supporting PJM where he has been involved in studies related to over 250 queue projects. Prior to that Horea worked for the Power Utility in Ireland where he was a power system study engineer working on projects in both Ireland as well as the Middle East.

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Jeremy Ciarabellini, Regulatory Policy Consultant, Transmission Policy and Contracts Puget Sound Energy

Jeremy Ciarabellini is a Regulatory Policy Consultant within Puget sound Energy, Inc’s (PSE) Transmission Policy and Contracts group. He previously lead a team of analysts developing and enacting PSE’s FERC-jurisdictional interconnection policies and procedures. Now, Jeremy has a broader role on the team, ensuring compliance with PSE’s whole OATT, including FERC Order No. 2023 implementation. Jeremy holds a J.D. (Summa Cum Laude) and LL.M in Innovation and Technology Law from the Seattle University School of Law. Prior to joining PSE, Jeremy served as a law clerk to The Honorable Charles K. Wiggins at the Washington Supreme Court.

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Rebecca Crawford, Supervisor, Transmission Contracts and Services, Arizona Public Service

Rebecca Crawford is currently the Supervisor of Transmission Contracts and Services (TCS) at Arizona Public Service. The TCS team handles all FERC Generator Interconnection requests. Over the last 12 years Rebecca has held positions within APS as the Program Manager for Cybersecurity, a Contract Analyst for Supply Chain, and a Regulatory Contract Analyst for the Interconnection Development team. Originally from Miami, Florida, she is a graduate of both Arizona State University (BA) George Washington University (MA) and received her JD from the St. Thomas University Schools of Law in Miami Gardens. She currently lives in Scottsdale with her husband Matt.

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Melissa Days, Senior Customer Delivery Manager, Clean Power Research

In her role as Senior Customer Delivery Manager, Melissa is responsible for onboarding utility customers to PowerClerk. She works closely with existing and new customers to define and deliver training programs, document as-is and to-be business processes and to run integration workshops with third-party vendors. Prior to joining Clean Power Research in 2019, Melissa worked on Puget Sound Energy’s Meter Operations team and has 6+ years of experience in project management for electric utilities, as well as hands-on experience implementing PowerClerk from the utility side. Melissa holds an Associate of applied science in electrical and mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Arts in communications, and a Master’s in business administration focusing on business leadership. Melissa enjoys creating FERC Generator Interconnection PowerClerk workflows that resemble the starship enterprise and occasionally eats cake for breakfast.

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Abhijeet Karmakar, Director, Grid Integration & IPP Development, EEPLUS

Abhijeet has over 13 years of experience and leads the IPP group at EEPLUS. He has years of experience in performing technical studies in power systems including experience in project and resource management. He has conducted numerous studies for deliverability assessment for generation interconnection in all major markets across the US including ERCOT, PJM, MISO, SPP, CAISO, WECC and SERC power network systems. He has vast experience in helping IPPs in various stages of generation interconnection including submission of generation interconnection applications for different IPPs ensuring technical data verifications, model development, NERC/FERC compliance. His work also includes development of several wind and solar collection system models for projects in ERCOT, MISO, PJM, and other ISO/utilities. Prior to joining EEPLUS, Abhijeet was working in DNV GL as Senior Lead Consultant – Generation Interconnection. Abhijeet holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from India and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.

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James Mirabile, Principal Engineer, Baltimore Gas & Electric

Mr. Mirabile is the principal engineer in BGE’s Green Power Connection Team. He works with developers every day to ensure that their projects are moving forward in the interconnection process in a hassle-free manner. Mr. Mirabile is a professional engineer licensed in the state of Maryland.

 

 

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Jeff Norman, Director of Grid Integration, National Renewable Solutions

Jeff has more than 20 years of electric utility experience. As Director of Grid Integration at NRS, Jeff leads efforts to identify, file and manage all project interconnection applications and study coordination. In addition, Jeff is the NRS representative on utility interconnection-related processes through Interconnection Agreement and facility grid integration. Prior to joining NRS, Jeff spent over 10 years in NERC regulatory compliance assessing the technical adherence to standards for over 200 registered entities. He also spent 10 years as an engineering consultant, splitting his time between assisting independent power producer/developers and supporting large utilities with transmission study projects.

Jeff holds a BS and MS in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Carlson School of Management. In addition, Jeff is a licensed professional engineer and certified Compliance & Ethics Professional.

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Joe Rand, Energy Policy Researcher, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Joe Rand is an Energy Policy Researcher in the Energy Markets and Policy Department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Joe conducts research and analysis on renewable energy, including: renewable energy policy, cost, and market analysis; spatial data analysis; and leads research related to social impacts and perceptions, interconnection, and deployment barriers of renewable energy. Joe’s impactful research has been widely covered in the popular press, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NPR, and more. He was awarded the Berkeley Lab Director’s Award for Societal Impact, an “Excellence Award” from the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG), the Switzer Environmental Fellowship, the ‘Novus Ventus’ award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Power Program.

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Adrienne Thompson, Partner, Troutman Pepper

Adrienne is a seasoned attorney specializing in regulatory and transactional matters within the energy sector, particularly focusing on electric energy generation, marketing, and transmission. With a strong emphasis on FERC proceedings, Adrienne navigates clients through intricate regulatory landscapes, particularly under the Federal Power Act (FPA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Her expertise extends to advising clients on compliance and business intricacies surrounding transmission and interconnection related agreements. Beyond FERC, Adrienne advocates for clients in rate case proceedings and disputes across various regulatory bodies, including the Bonneville Power Administration, CAISO, and other ISOs/RTOs nationwide, as well as representing clients in appellate courts. As the managing partner of the firm’s Portland office, Adrienne brings leadership and insight to her practice. Before joining the firm, she clerked for Oregon Supreme Court Justice Jack L. Landau and contributed her expertise to The George Washington University Law School’s Sustainable Energy Initiative. Adrienne’s commitment lies in simplifying complex energy issues into actionable advice, ensuring clients’ commercial interests and transmission rights are safeguarded effectively.

 

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Billy F. Yancey III, Vice President Technical Services and Compliance, Electric Power Engineers

 

 

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Hui Zhang, Power Systems Director, AES Corporation

Hui Zhang is a Power Systems Director at the AES Corporation, where he leads grid analysis and delivers insights on the implementation of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to address challenges in grid operations, planning, and generation interconnection. Hui previously served as a manager of Operations Engineering and Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). His earlier roles included key positions at the California ISO and Appian Way Energy Partners. Hui holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University, and an MBA from UC Berkeley. Hui is a NERC Certified System Operator, a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in California, and an IEEE Senior Member.

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• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
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Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

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If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Strategies for Effective Interconnection Queue Management

July 10-11, 2024 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before June 07, 2024 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.1 CEUs for this event

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must long on and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Power Point presentations, open discussion, and Q&A

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 12.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

• Interconnection Administrators
• Project Developers
• Legal Counsel
• Engineers
• Energy Industry Analysts
• Resource Planners
• Economists
• Grid & Transmission Planners
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists
• Financial Analysts
• Utility Representatives
• Technical Services Vice Presidents
• Compliance Officers